The Peugeot 308 has some frugal engines, but it falls way short of its best rivals to drive and rear space is tight

Trim:

Going for Allure gets you larger 17in alloy wheels, front foglights, front and rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors and an electronic parking brake. Most of these are wants not needs, though, so we’d stick with Active.

Engine:

A worthy replacement for our former favourite engine in the range, the 1.6 BlueHDi 120. Not only is this new 1.5 more powerful than the unit it replaces, but it’s also cleaner and more frugal. With plenty of low-down grunt, there really is no need to step up to the larger and more expensive 2.0-litre diesels. It’s our pick of the diesels.